After Tanner Kero was laid out by Chicago Blackhawks Brett Connolly, lots of emotions were felt by Stars players, especially Joe Pavelski.

The 37-year-old knows all too well how it feels to be injured and knocked unconscious by a cheap hit. On April 23, 2019 in Game 7 of the San Jose Sharks versus the Vegas Golden Knights, Pavelski faced a very similar situation. He took a cross-check from Cody Eakin before being hit again by Paul Stastny which resulted in him landing head first on the ice. Pavelski laid still on the ice bleeding from the injury he sustained and teammates started surrounding their then captain.

After the game when Pavelski was asked about the hit, he showed just how emotional this kind of event can be for players. Pavelski looked down and tried to clear his throat after being questioned about his teammate, before licking his lips, scratching his beard, and wiping his face with a towel. Pavelski then started choking up explaining how he felt about the situation.

«It was terrible. I've been there before,» Pavelski managed through tears.

«My teammates rallied around me that night,» Pavelski said. «You know, it flashes back there.»

«I don't know,» he said. «Tanner, he's awesome. He's soft-spoken. He shows up and works hard. He doesn't miss a day. When he gets called on to play, he shows up, he makes great plays, he plays hard. He's a great teammate."

«It's just — we've heard he's doing all right. That win was definitely for him. You just say a prayer and hope for a speedy recovery. It sucks.»

Joe Pavelski when asked about Tanner Kero, who left the game in the first period after a scary hit. https://t.co/id8ulQECGf pic.twitter.com/db6K4O6Ch6— Saad Yousuf (@SaadYousuf126) December 19, 2021

The Stars went on to win the game 4-3 in overtime and this may be a turning point for a Stars team that was expected to be near the top of the Central Division prior to the start of the season.